Teresa C. Younger of Shelton, executive director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, has been named president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women.
This from the PCSW:
“Formed the same year as the Ms. Foundation, the PCSW is mandated by state statute to work on “all matters concerning women,” and especially those in the areas of economic security, health and safety, and the elimination of gender discrimination.
The New York-based Ms. Foundation for Women champions women’s progressive causes and works toward advancing solutions that empower women, especially those in marginalized communities. For 40 years, the Ms. Foundation has secured women’s rights and freedoms with a special commitment to building the power of low-income, immigrant and women of color. The Foundation invests funds, time, expertise and training in nearly 100 organizations focused on women’s health and reproductive justice, economic security and safety.
“At this time of both feminist success and backlash against it, Teresa Younger is the perfect person to continue the grassroots strength of the Ms. Foundation, and build it into policy and protection against backlash,” said noted feminist Gloria Steinem, who helped launch the Foundation. “She knows how to make the needs of the majority of women into guiding principles of action.”
“I’m saddened to be leaving an agency, staff and coalition partners I respect deeply for the amazing work they do,” Younger said. “But I am very excited to be able to work on a national level on many of the women’s issues PCSW works on statewide. And I leave the agency secure in the knowledge that not only have we weathered budgetary storms and cutbacks, we have become, truly, the state’s umbrella agency for all matters concerning women.”
Younger also directed the agency to conduct or commission several critical reports that are widely used by advocates, economists and policy-makers, including The Basic Economic Security Tables (BEST), Where Connecticut Stands: Overlooked and Undercounted, The Elder Economic Security Index (EESI), and Selected Highlights of Women’s History (United States and Connecticut, 1773-2013).”
This from Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman: “I’ve worked with Teresa for many years—she is a tremendous advocate and leader, providing a strong and sure voice for equality, fairness, and justice for women in Connecticut,” said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. “The Ms. Foundation—and women across the nation—will certainly benefit from her broad expertise, her diligence, and her tirelessness. We wish her the very best in this extraordinary opportunity and thank her for her years of service and dedication to Connecticut.”
Younger will begin at the Ms. Foundation on June 16.
Governor Malloy said, “I want to congratulate Teresa for this tremendous accomplishment. From our push for pay equity to our recent enactment of an increased minimum wage, Connecticut has greatly benefitted from her work. Teresa has been a steadfast partner and friend, and I wish her well in this new endeavor.”
Lt. Governor Wyman said, “I’ve worked with Teresa for many years — she is a tremendous advocate and leader, providing a strong and sure voice for equality, fairness, and justice for women in Connecticut. The Ms. Foundation — and women across the nation — will certainly benefit from her broad expertise, her diligence, and her tirelessness. We wish her the very best in this extraordinary opportunity and thank her for her years of service and dedication to Connecticut.”